Both individual excellence and exceptional teamwork have been recognised at the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) NSW Chapter 2014 Awards for Excellence.

Announced last night, 21 August, at The Star in Sydney, the awards were established in 1986 to honour the achievements and encourage the advancement of women in construction in NSW.

This year, the night’s top honour – the Laing O’Rourke Crystal Vision Award – went to Raquel Rubalcaba, senior project manager at Laing O’Rourke. Rubalcaba had implemented an industry-leading 26 week paid parental leave and flexible working policy at Laing O’Rourke.

The policy combines paid parental leave with a keep-in-touch program, return to work coaching and flexible work options for all employees.

NAWIC’s NSW Chapter President Sarah Hogan praised Rubalcaba for encouraging meaningful change in her organisation.

“The judges were impressed by Raquel’s passion and drive to contribute to the industry in which she has been involved for 2 years. We salute Raquel as a role model for other women in the industry,” says Hogan.

Full list of category and merit winners:

Master Builders Association & Clinton Recruitment Award for Team Innovation

Winner: Davenport Campbell for the QBE Global Head Office Project

Merit: Westpac Tenancy Fitout Team, comprising of Lend Lease and Geyer, for the Westpac Global Head Office

Lend Lease Scholarship for Future Leaders

Winner: Hannah Mahoney-Hayes, Structural Engineer, Taylor Thomson Whittling

DTZ University Scholarship

Winner: Alissa Thivakon, University of Newcastle

Brookfield Johnson Controls Tradesperson Scholarship

Winner: Kristina Murray, Home Control & Audio

MPA Award for Achievement in Construction, Refurbishment and Fit Out

Winner: Jade Nicholson, Site Engineer, Brookfield Multiplex, for the Charles Perkins Centre Project at the University of Sydney, Camperdown Campus

Brookfield Multiplex Award for Contribution to a Projects Development

Winner: Miranda Kossen-Markezic, Senior Project Engineer, Thiess, for the Frederickton to Eungai Pacific Highway Upgrade Project

Merit: Lucy Guerin, Jones Lang LaSalle, for her contribution to the Westpac Group Retail Program

John Holland Business Woman of the Year Award

Winner: Rachel Luchetti, Director, Luchetti Krelle

Acoustic Logic Award for Contribution to Sustainability

Winner: Esther Bailey, Better Buildings Partnership Manager, City of Sydney

Now Careers Project Management Award

Winner: Dominique Gill, Project Manager, Built

Stockland Award for Innovation in Design

Winner: Alex Wessling, Project Manager, MBMO Architects for the Sydney Adventist Hospital Stage 1 Redevelopment Project